Step up to the Plate

by Undine Shorey5scon July 24, 2017

Baseball fans rejoice! You can catch a ball game almost year ‘round at LECOM Park. The Bradenton Marauders are the Class A advanced affiliate for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Their season runs April–early September. LECOM Park is also home to Pirate City, home field for all Pirates major league spring training games played in March each year. The Marauders season is currently in full swing and LECOM Park is just a brisk walk away from all of downtown’s happening hotspots. The historic ballpark has been a staple in the Bradenton community since 1923.

Whether you choose to walk from downtown Bradenton or drive, there is plenty of parking available. Simply go to WalkBradenton.com and click on the green “GO” button and type “LECOM Park” in the search bar. From there, you can get directions from your current location or click on their website to check out the schedule and get additional information.

If you’re the type that likes to hangout after a game, you’re in luck. Check out Darwin Brewing Company and Taproom. Darwin’s is right across the street from the ballpark. Just enter WalkBradenton.com into your browser; the site will find your exact location and show you all there is to do around you, including Darwin’s! This is a great place to gather with friends to relive the greatest moments from the Marauders’ win or lean on each other in case the home team didn’t bring a “W”. Either way, you’ll be comforted with a nice pint of awesome craft beer or some live music from some of the area’s greatest musicians.

Only a few blocks away from LECOM Park, is Motorworks Brewing. Motorworks was just voted Best Large Brewery in Florida at the 2017 Best Florida Beer Championships. With great beer selections and live music almost every night of the week, you’ll be sure to have a good time in what is the largest Beer Garden in the State of Florida. To check it out, go to WalkBradenton.com and type “Motorworks Brewing” in the search bar. From there, you can click to watch their 30-second promo video or call the brewery directly to reserve a table.

What are some of your favorite brews at Darwin Brewing Company or Motorworks Brewing?